Inhalable Formulations For Treating Pulmonary Hypertension And Methods Of Using Same

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to an inhalable formulation for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in a mammal (e.g., humans), wherein the formulation comprises at least one hypertension reducing agent, including but not limited to an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker, beta-blocker, calcium-channel blocker or vasodilator, or any combination thereof. The formulations of the present invention may be a solution or suspension, and preferably are suitable for administration via nebulization. The present invention is also directed to a method and kit for treating a mammal suffering from pulmonary hypertension.

I. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.10/609,233, filed Jun. 27, 2003, which is hereby incorporated herein inits entirety by reference.

II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an inhalable formulation for thetreatment of pulmonary hypertension, and methods of treating the same inmammals, including humans. The formulation of the present inventioncomprises a hypertension reducing agent, wherein the hypertensionreducing agent may include an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor(“ACEI”), angiotensin receptor blocker (“ARB”), beta adrenergic blockingagent (“beta-blockers”), calcium-channel blocker or vasodilator, or anycombination thereof. Preferably, the formulation of the presentinvention is suitable for administration via nebulization. The presentinvention also relates to a prepackaged kit for treating pulmonaryhypertension containing the formulation of the present invention.

III. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pulmonary hypertension is a disorder of the lung in which the pressurein the pulmonary artery (the blood vessel that leads from the heart tothe lungs) rises above normal levels. If left untreated, pulmonaryhypertension may become life threatening. Symptoms of pulmonaryhypertension include shortness of breath with minimal exertion, fatigue,chest pain, dizzy spells fainting, and other symptoms. Pulmonaryhypertension is frequently misdiagnosed and has often progressed to latestage by the time it is accurately diagnosed. Moreover, pulmonaryhypertension has been historically chronic and incurable with a poorsurvival rate.

When pulmonary hypertension occurs in the absence of a known cause, itis referred to as primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). There are manyunknown causes of PPH.

When the cause of pulmonary hypertension is known, it is calledsecondary pulmonary hypertension (SPH). Common causes of SPH is thebreathing disorders emphysema, bronchitis and chronic obstructivepulmonary disorder, among others. Other less frequent causes are theinflammatory or collagen vascular diseases such as scleroderma, CRESTsyndrome or systemic lupus erythematosus. Congenital heart diseases thatcause shunting of extra blood through the lungs like ventricular andarterial septal defects, chronic pulmonary thromboembolism (old bloodclots in the pulmonary artery), HIV infection, liver disease and dietdrugs like fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine are also causes of pulmonaryhypertension.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) are drugs used to treathypertension (high blood pressure) and congestive heart failure. Thesedrugs are also used to alleviate the strain on hearts damaged from heartattacks. ACEIs block production of an enzyme that helps convert theprotein angiotensin I into angiotensin II, a protein that makes bloodvessels constrict and promotes retention of fluid in the body, therebyraising blood pressure. ACEIs also make blood vessels relax, which helpslower blood pressure and allows more oxygen-rich blood to reach theheart. Captorpirl (Capoten), Ramipril (Altace, and Enalipril (Vasoted)are commonly used ACE inhibitor

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (also referred to as angiotensin IIreceptor agonists) such as losartan (Cozaar) and valsartan (Diovan)reduce hypertension by displacing angiotensin II from receptors on thesurface of cells. ARBs are used as alternatives to the less expensiveACEI inhibitors because they have fewer side effects.

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents, or beta-blockers, are used in thetreatment of high blood pressure. Beta-blockers are also used to relieveangina (chest pain) and in heart attack patients to help preventadditional heart attacks. Beta-blockers are also used to correctirregular heartbeat, prevent migraine headaches, and treat tremors.Betablockers are competitive inhibitors and interfere with the action ofstimulating hormones on beta-adrenergic receptors in the nervous system.Beta-blockers can be subdivided into two distinct groups, known asbeta-1 and beta-2. Beta-1 blockers mainly affect the heart, and beta-2blockers mainly affect receptors in bronchial tissue. Most beta-blockersare non-specific, i.e., they have both beta-1 and beta-2 effects.

Calcium-channel blockers are presently used to control hypertension,chest pain and irregular heartbeats. Calcium-channel blockers slow therate at which calcium passes into the heart muscle and into the vesselwalls, thereby relaxing the vessels. The relaxed vessels let blood flowmore easily through them, thereby lowering blood pressure.

Vasodilators are medicines that act directly on muscles in blood vesselwalls to make blood vessels widen (dilate). Vasodilators are used totreat high blood pressure. By widening the arteries, these drugs allowblood to flow through more easily, reducing blood pressure. Controllinghigh blood pressure is important because the condition puts a burden onthe heart and the arteries, which can lead to permanent damage overtime. If untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of heartattacks, heart failure, stroke, or kidney failure. Examples ofvasodilators include prostacyclin and its analogs.

It has been shown that vasodilators such as prostacyclin andprostacyclin analogs as well as calcium channel blockers such asdiltiazem (Cardizem) or nifedipine (Procardia) decrease pulmonaryvascular resistance in some patients when administered systemically. Forexample, it has been found that continuous intravenous infusion of thevasodilator epoprostenol (Flolan), or prostacyclin, improves exercisecapacity, quality of life, hemodynamics and long-term survival inpatients with primary pulmonary hypertension. Epoprostenol is a potent,short-acting vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet aggregation byvascular endothelium.

Continuous intravenous prostacyclin is far from ideal as a treatment forpulmonary hypertension, however, because the agent is available only inlimited supply, it is very costly, and optimal management requires thatthe intravenous therapy with prostacyclin be started in specializedcenters familiar with the technique, equipment, and dose ranging.Moreover, continuous intravenous administration of prostacyclin resultsin significant side effects in patients, including jaw pain, nausea, andanorexia, plus the inconvenience and potential danger from prolongedcathertization and breakdowns in the delivery system. Further, becausethe agent is delivered systemically with only a small percentage of theagent actually absorbed by the pulmonary system, it must be administeredin high dosages.

Epoprostenol or the prostacyclin analog treprostinil sodium may beadministered via injection to treat pulmonary hypertension. Delivery,however, is systemic and not localized to the lung. Thus, the drug mustbe administered in high doses, with only a small percentage actuallyreaching the lungs.

It has also been shown that calcium channel blockers may alleviatepulmonary vasoconstriction and prolong life in about 20 percent ofpatients with PPH. Rich S, Kaufmann E, Levy P S. The effect of highdoses of calcium-channel blockers on survival in primary pulmonaryhypertension. N Engl J Med 1992;327:76-81, which is incorporated hereinby reference. In patients who show evidence of an acute hemodynamicresponse, long-term treatment with calcium channel blockers administeredorally can produce a sustained hemodynamic response and increasesurvival. However, oral administration does not produce a localizedeffect on the lungs and therefore high doses must be administeredproducing a systemic effect, perhaps unnecessarily. Moreover, oraladministration in high dosages over an extended period of time mayproduce unwanted side-effects in some patients.

There is, therefore, a need for an improved method of treatinghypertension.

IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The formulations provided herein are used for treating, preventingand/or ameliorating one or more symptoms of a medical condition,disorder or disease. As used herein, treatment means any manner in whichone or more of the symptoms of the condition, disorder or disease areameliorated or otherwise beneficially altered. Treatment alsoencompasses any pharmaceutical or medicinal use of the formulationsherein. As used herein, amelioration of the symptoms of a particulardisorder by administration of a particular formulation refers to anylessening, whether permanent or temporary, lasting or transient that canbe attributed to or associated with administration of the formulation.As used herein, a “therapeutic effective amount” means a sufficientamount of drug substance to treat, prevent and/or ameliorate one or moresymptoms of a medical condition, disorder or disease. It also mayinclude a safe and tolerable amount of drug substance, as based onindustry and/or regulatory standards.

In one alternative embodiment, the formulations provided herein are usedfor treating, preventing and/or ameliorating one or more symptoms of arespiratory disorder in an individual. In another alternativeembodiment, the present invention provides a formulation for thetreatment, prophylaxis and/or amelioration of one or more symptoms ofpulmonary hypertension or other related disorders.

In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides aformulation for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in a mammal(e.g., humans), wherein the formulation is suitable for administrationvia inhalation. Preferably, the formulation of the present invention issuitable for administration via nebulization. The formulations of thepresent invention comprise a therapeutically effective amount of ahypertension reducing agent. Hypertension reducing agents suitable foruse in the present formulations include ACEI, ARBs, beta-blockers,calcium-channel blockers or vasodilators, or any combination thereof Inone alternative embodiment, the formulation of the present inventioncomprises a combination of two or more hypertension reducing agents.

The formulations of the present inventions may be provided as a solutionor as aqueous suspension, so long as the formulation is suitable forinhalation. Preferably, the present formulation is sterile. In anotherembodiment, the formulation of the present invention is stable. Further,buffering agents may be added to adjust the pH level of the formulation.Moreover, the formulations of the present invention may contain anantimicrobial preservative. Alternatively, the formulations herein maybe preservative-free. In one embodiment, the formulations of the presentinvention are suitable for treating any diagnosis or level of pulmonaryhypertension.

The present invention also relates to a method for treating pulmonaryhypertension in a mammal, which includes animals or humans. In oneembodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the step ofadministering the formulation of the present invention to a mammal inneed thereof. In one embodiment, the method of the present inventionfurther comprises the step of administering another therapy orpharmaceutical agent useful to or related to the treatment of pulmonaryhypertension. Such therapies and/or pharmaceutical agents including, forexample, anticoagulants and diuretics.

Additionally, the present invention is directed to a kit for treatingpulmonary hypertension in a mammal. In one embodiment, the kit of thepresent invention comprises the formulation of the present invention. Inanother embodiment, the formulation of the kit is premeasured, premixedand prepackaged. In an alternative embodiment, the kit further comprisesinstructions for administering the formulation.

Other embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of thefollowing detailed description of the invention.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the terms “angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor” or“ACEI” means any pharmaceutical agent that inhibits the enzymaticactivity of angiotensin converting enzyme. ACEIs suitable for use hereininclude, but are not limited to, Benazepril, Captopril, Enalapril,Fosinopril, Lisinopril, Moexipril, Perindopril, Quinapril, Ramipril,Trandolapril, and prodrugs, salts and isomers thereof.

As used herein, the terms “angiotensin receptor blocker” or “ARB” or“angiotensin II receptor agonist” means any pharmaceutical agent thatselectively blocks the binding of angiotensin II to receptors found inmany tissues. ARBs suitable for use herein include, but are not limitedto, Candesartan, Eprosartan, Irbesartan, Losartan, Olmesartan,Telmisartan, Valsartan, and prodrugs, salts and isomers thereof.

As used herein, the terms “beta adrenergic blocking agent” or“beta-blocker” means any pharmaceutical agent which blocksbeta-adrenergic substances in the body. For example, a beta-blocker mayblock the beta-adrenergic substance adrenaline (epinephrine), a keyagent in the “sympathetic” portion of the autonomic (involuntary)nervous system and activation of heart muscle. Beta-blockers suitablefor use herein include, but are not limited to, Acebutolol, Atenolol,Betaxolol, Bisoprolol, Carteolol, Carvedilol, Esmolol, Labetalol,Metoprolol, Nadolol, Oxprenolol, Penbutolol, Pindolol, Propranolol,Sotalol and Timolol and prodrugs, salts and isomers thereof.

As used herein, the term “calcium-channel blocker” means anypharmaceutical agent which slows or blocks the entry of calcium into themuscle cells of the heart and the arteries. Calcium channel blockerssuitable for use herein include, but are not limited to, Amlodipine,Bepridil, Diltiazem, Felodipine, Flunarizine, Isradipine, Nicardipine,Nifedipine, Nimodipine, Verapamil and prodrugs, salts and isomersthereof.

As used herein, the term “vasodilator” means any pharmaceutical agentthat causes dilation of blood vessels. Vasodilators suitable for useherein include, but are not limited to, Adenine, Arginine, Doxazosin,Hydralazine Hydrochloride, Isosorbide Initrate, Isosorbide MononitrateMinoxidil, Nicotinates, Nitroglycerin, Phentolamine, Prazosin, Terazosinand prodrugs, salts and isomers thereof. Vasodilators for use hereinalso include prostaglandins (Eicosanoids), including prostacyclin(Epoprostenol) and prostacyclin analogs, including Iloprost andTreprostinil, and prodrugs, salts and isomers thereof. Also includedherein are various prostaglandins, including, but not limited to PGE-1;PGE-2; PGF-2.alpha.; PGA-1; PGB-1; PGD-2; PGE-M; PGF-M; PGH-2; PGI-2;19-hydroxy-PGA-1; 19-hydroxy-PGB-1; PGA-2; PGB-2; 19-hydroxy-PGA-2;19-hydroxy-PGB-2; PGB-3; PGF-1.alpha.; 15-methyl-PGF-2.alpha.;16,16-dimethyl-.DELTA..sup.2-PGE-1 methyl ester;15-deoxy-16-hydroxy-16-methyl-PGE-1 methyl ester; 16,16-dimethyl-PGE-2;11-deoxy-15-methyl-PGE-1; 16-methyl-18,18,19,19-tetrahydrocarbacyclin;(16RS)-15-deoxy-16-hydroxy-16-methyl-PGE-1 methyl ester;(+)-4,5-didehydro-16-phenoxy-.alpha.-tetranor-PGE-2 methyl ester;11-deoxy-11a,16,16-trimethyl-PGE-2;(+)-11a,16a,b-dihydroxy-1,9-dioxo-1-(hydroxymethyl)-16-methyl-trans-prostene;9-chloro-16,16-dimethyl-PGE-2; arboprostil; iloprost; CL 15.347: andsemisynthetic or synthetic derivatives of these natural prostaglandins,or any derivative or any prostaglandin analog capable of acting as avasodilator, and prodrugs, salts and isomers thereof

As used herein, the term “hypertension reducing pharmaceutical agent”means any ACEI, ARB, beta-blocker, calcium-channel blocker, vasodilator,or any other compound capable of treating pulmonary hypertension throughoral inhalation, such as nebulization. It is understood that the abovelist of hypertension reducing agents include those not currentlyapproved for use in clinical practice in the U.S., and those that willbe approved in the future.

As used herein, the term “pulmonary hypertension” means any form,diagnosis, level or stage of pulmonary hypertension, including, but notlimited to, primary or secondary pulmonary hypertension, pulmonaryarterial hypertension, pulmonary venous hypertension, pulmonaryhypertension associated with disorders of the respiratory system orhypothermia, pulmonary hypertension resulting from chronic thrombotic orembolic disease, or pulmonary hypertension resulting from disordersdirectly affecting the pulmonary vasculature. The term “pulmonaryhypertension” also includes other respiratory disorders characterized byacute pulmonary vasoconstriction such as those disorders resulting frompneumonia, traumatic injury, aspiration or inhalation injury, fatembolism in the lung, acidosis inflammation of the lung, adultrespiratory distress syndrome, acute pulmonary edema, acute mountainsickness, post-cardiac surgery, acute pulmonary hypertension, persistentpulmonary hypertension of the newborn, perinatal aspiration syndrome,hyaline member disease, acute pulmonary thromboembolism,heparin-protomine reactions, sepsis, status asthamaticus or hypoxia(including iatrogenic hypoxia) and other forms of reversible pulmonaryvasoconstriction. Such pulmonary disorders are also characterized byinflammation of the lung including those associated with the migrationinto the lung of non-resident cell types including the various leucocytesubclasses.

In one alternative embodiment, formulations of the present invention mayinclude pharmaceutically acceptable derivates of a hypertension reducingagent. As used herein, pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives of suchcompounds include but are not limited to salts, esters, enol ethers,enol esters, acids, bases, solvates, hydrates or prodrugs thereof.

Such derivatives may be readily prepared by those of skill in this artusing known methods for such derivatization. Such derivatives producedmay be administered to animals or humans without substantial toxiceffects.

Suitable “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” include conventionally usednon-toxic salts, for example a salt with an inorganic base such as analkali metal salt (such as sodium salt and potassium salt), an alkalineearth metal salt (such as calcium salt and magnesium salt), an ammoniumsalt; or a salt with an organic base, for example, an amine salt (suchas methylamine salt, dimethylamine salt, cyclohexylamine salt,benzylamine salt, piperidine salt, ethylenediamine salt, ethanolaminesalt, diethanolamine salt, triethanolamine salt, tris(hydroxymethylamino) ethane salt, monomethylmonoethanolamine salt,procaine salt and caffeine salt), a basic amino acid salt (such asarginine salt and lysine salt), tetraalkyl ammonium salt and the like,or other salt forms that enable the pulmonary hypertension reducingagent to remain soluble in a liquid medium, or to be prepared and/oreffectively administered in a liquid medium, preferable an aqueousmedium. The above salts may be prepared by a conventional process, forexample from the corresponding acid and base or by salt interchange.

For example, one alternative embodiment, the hypertension reducing agentmay be employed in a free base form or in a salt form (e.g., aspharmaceutically acceptable salts). Examples of suitablepharmaceutically acceptable salts include inorganic acid addition saltssuch as hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulfate, phosphate, and nitrate;organic acid addition salts such as acetate, propionate, succinate,lactate, glycolate, malate, tartrate, citrate, maleate, fumarate,methansulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, and ascorbate; salts with acidicamino acid such as aspartate and glutamate; alkali metal salts such assodium salt and potassium salt; alkaline earth metal salts such asmagnesium salt and calcium salt; ammonium salt; organic basic salts suchas trimethylamine salt, triethylamine salt, pyridine salt, picolinesalt, dicyclohexylamine salt, and N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine salt; andsalts with basic amino acid such as lysine salt and arginine salt. Thesalts may be in some cases hydrates or ethanol solvates.

Examples of the ethers may include, but are not limited to, alkylethers, for example, lower alkyl ethers such as methyl ether, ethylether, propyl ether, isopropyl ether, butyl ether, isobutyl ether,t-butyl ether, pentyl ether and 1-cyclopropyl ethyl ether; and medium orhigher alkyl ethers such as octyl ether, diethylhexyl ether, laurylether and cetyl ether; unsaturated ethers such as oleyl ether andlinolenyl ether; lower alkenyl ethers such as vinyl ether, allyl ether;lower alkynyl ethers such as ethynyl ether and propynyl ether;hydroxy(lower)alkyl ethers such as hydroxyethyl ether andhydroxyisopropyl ether; lower alkoxy (lower)alkyl ethers such asmethoxymethyl ether and 1-methoxyethyl ether; optionally substitutedaryl ethers such as phenyl ether, tosyl ether, t-butylphenyl ether,salicyl ether, 3,4-di-methoxyphenyl ether and benzamidophenyl ether; andaryl(lower)alkyl ethers such as benzyl ether, trityl ether andbenzhydryl ether, or other ether forms that enable the pulmonaryhypertension reducing agent to remain soluble in a liquid medium, or tobe prepared and/or effectively administered in a liquid medium,preferably an aqueous medium.

Examples of the esters may include, but are not limited to, aliphaticesters, for example, lower alkyl esters such as methyl ester, ethylester, propyl ester, isopropyl ester, butyl ester, isobutyl ester,t-butyl ester, pentyl ester and 1-cyclopropylethyl ester; lower alkenylesters such as vinyl ester and allyl ester; lower alkynyl esters such asethynyl ester and propynyl ester; hydroxy(lower)alkyl ester such ashydroxyethyl ester; lower alkoxy (lower) alkyl esters such asmethoxymethyl ester and 1-methoxyethyl ester; and optionally substitutedaryl esters such as, for example, phenyl ester, tosyl ester,t-butylphenyl ester, salicyl ester, 3,4-di-methoxyphenyl ester andbenzamidophenyl ester; and aryl(lower)alkyl ester such as benzyl ester,trityl ester and benzhydryl ester, or other ester forms that enable thepulmonary hypertension reducing agent to remain soluble in a liquidmedium, or to be prepared and/or effectively administered in a liquidmedium, preferably an aqueous medium.

Also, the hypertension reducing agent for use in the formulations andmethods provided herein may contain chiral centers. Such chiral centersmay be of either the (R) or (S) configuration, or may be a mixturethereof. Thus, the compounds for use in the formulations provided hereinmay be enantiomerically pure, or be stereoisomeric or diastereomericmixtures. It is to be understood that the chiral centers of thecompounds provided herein may undergo epimerization in vivo. Thus, oneof skill in the art will recognize that administration of a compound inits (R) form is equivalent, for compounds that undergo epimerization invivo, to administration of the compound in its (S) form.

The present invention provides an inhalable formulation for treatingpulmonary hypertension, wherein the formulation comprises atherapeutically effective amount of a hypertension-reducing agent forthe treatment of pulmonary hypertension, wherein thehypertension-reducing agent is an ACEI, ARB, beta-blocker,calcium-channel blocker or vasodilator, or any combination thereof.

The present invention is premised, in part, on the known systemichypertension reducing effects of ACEIs, ARBs, beta-blockers,calcium-channel blockers or vasodilators to treat pulmonaryhypertension. It is believed that the formulations of the presentinvention represent an improvement over conventional means for treatingpulmonary hypertension, because the delivery of thehypertension-reducing agent would be localized to the user's pulmonarysystem, as opposed to systemic delivery. It is believed that localizedtherapy may increase bioavailability as well as increased efficacyand/or prolonged therapeutic effect. Due to increased bioavailability,the present formulations may contain lower dosages of thehypertension-reducing agents while effectively treating pulmonaryhypertension. Additionally, it is believed that localized therapy mayresult in a decrease in side-effects due to lower dosages and a decreasein patient discomfort and inconvenience due to the less invasive ortime-consuming systemic delivery method.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a therapeutically effectiveamount of a hypertension-reducing agent may include from about 0.001mg/ml to about 20 mg/ml of an ACEI, ARB, beta-blocker, calcium-channelblocker, vasodilator, or any combination thereof. In an alternativeembodiment, a therapeutically effective amount of ahypertension-reducing agent may include from about 0.008 mg/ml to about15.0 mg/ml. It may also include the following intermediate ranges: about0.001 mg/ml to about 0.50 mg/ml; about 0.51 mg/ml to about 1.00 mg/ml;about 1.01 mg/ml to about 1.50 mg/ml; about 1.51 mg/ml to about 2.00mg/ml; about 2.51 mg/ml to about 3.00 mg/ml; about 3.01 mg/ml to about3.50 mg/ml; about 3.51 mg/ml to about 4.00 mg/ml; about 4.01 mg/ml toabout 4.50 mg/ml; about 4.51 mg/ml to about 5.00 mg/ml; about 5.01 mg/mlto about 5.50 mg/ml; about 5.51 mg/ml to about 6.00 mg/ml; about 6.01mg/ml to about 6.50 mg/ml; about 6.51 mg/ml to about 7.00 mg/ml; about7.01 mg/ml to about 7.50 mg/ml; about 7.51 mg/ml to about 8.00 mg/ml;about 8.01 mg/ml to about 8.50 mg/ml; about 8.51 mg/ml to about 9.00mg/ml; about 9.01 mg/ml to about 9.50 mg/ml; about 9.51 mg/ml to about10.00 mg/ml; about 10.01 mg/ml to about 10.50 mg/ml; about 10.51 mg/mlto about 11.00 mg/ml; about 11.01 mg/mi to about 11.50 mg/ml; about11.50 mg/ml to about 12.00 mg/ml; about 12.00 mg/ml to about 12.51mg/ml; about 12.51 mg/ml to about 13.00 mg/ml; about 13.01 mg/ml toabout 13.50 mg/ml; about 13.51 mg/ml to about 14.00 mg/ml; about 14.01mg/ml to about 14.50 mg/ml; about 14.51 mg/ml to about 15.00 mg/ml.

In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, atherapeutically effective amount of a hypertension-reducing agent mayinclude the following intermediate ranges; about 0.001 mg,/ml to about1.0 mg/ml; about 0.005 mg/ml to about 1.0 mg/ml; about 0.01 mg/ml toabout 1.0 mg/ml; about 0.05 mg/ml to about 0.1 mg/ml; about 0.05 mg/mlto about 0.5 mg/ml.

In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, atherapeutically effective amount of a hypertension-reducing agent mayinclude from about 0.001 to about 10 mg/ml of a hypertension-reducingpharmaceutical agent, including the following intermediate amounts:about 0.001 mg/ml to about 1.25 mg/ml; about 1.25 mg/ml to about 1.50mg/ml; about 1.50 mg/ml to about 1.75 mg/ml; about 1.75 mg/ml to about2.00 mg/ml; about 2.0 mg/ml to about 2.25 mg/ml; about 2.25 mg/ml toabout 2.50 mg/mi; about 2.50 mg/ml to about 2.75 mg/ml; about 2.75 mg/mlto about 3.00 mg/ml; about 3.0 mg/ml to about 3.25 mg/ml; about 3.25mg/ml to about 3.50 mg/ml; about 3.50 mg/ml to about 3.75 mg/ml; about3.75 mg/ml to about 4.00 mg/ml; about 4.0 mg/ml to about 4.25 mg/ml;about 4.25 mg/ml to about 4.50 mg/ml; about 4.50 mg/ml to about 4.75mg/ml; about 4.75 mg/ml to about 5.00 mg/mi.; about 5.0 mg/ml to about5.25 mg/ml; about 5.25 mg/ml to about 5.50 mg/ml; about 5.50 mg/ml toabout 5.75 mg/ml; about 5.75 mg/ml to about 6.00 mg/ml; about 6.0 mg/mlto about 6.25 mg/ml; about 6.25 mg/ml to about 6.50 mg/ml; about 6.50mg/ml to about 6.75 mg/ml; about 6.75 mg/ml to about 7.00 mg/ml; about7.0 mg/ml to about 7.25 mg/ml; about 7.25 mg/ml to about 7.50 mg/ml;about 7.50 mg/ml to about 7.75 mg/ml; about 7.75 mg/ml to about 8.00mg/ml; about 8.0 mg/ml to about 8.25 mg/ml; about 8.25 mg/ml to about8.50 mg/ml; about 8.50 mg/ml to about 8.75 mg/ml; about 8.75 mg/ml toabout 9.00 mg/ml; about 9.0 mg/ml to about 9.25 mg/ml; about 9.25 mg/mlto about 9.50 mg/ml; about 9.50 mg/ml to about 9.75 mg/ml; about 9.75mg/ml to about 10.00 mg/ml.

In one embodiment, the formulation of the present invention is aninhalable solution comprising a therapeutically effective amount of apulmonary hypertension agent. Preferably, the inhalable solution of thepresent invention is suitable for administration via nebulization. Theformulations of the present invention may also be provided as an aqueoussuspension. In an embodiment, the formulation of the present inventioncomprises a therapeutically effective amount of a pulmonary hypertensionreducing agent in an aqueous suspension.

The formulations provided herein may comprise any pharmacologicallysuitable fluid which is physiologically acceptable upon administration,including, but not limited to water, aqueous saline solutions with oneor more pharmaceutically acceptable salt(s), alcohols, glycols or anymixture thereof. In an embodiment, the formulation of the presentinvention comprises water. Water for use in the present formulationsshould meet or exceed the applicable regulatory requirements for use ininhaled drugs. Specifications established by the United StatesPharmacopoeia for “Sterile Water for Injection” or “Sterile Water forInhalation” are examples of water suitable for use to prepareformulations of the invention.

In one alternate embodiment, the formulation of the present inventionmay comprise a preservative, suspending agent, wetting agent, tonicityagent and/or diluent. The formulations provided herein may comprise fromabout 0.01% to about 90%, or about 0.01% to about 50%, or about 0.01% toabout 25%, or about 0.01% to about 10%, or about 0.01% to about 5% ofone or more pharmacologically suitable suspending fluids which isphysiologically acceptable upon administration intranasally.Pharmacologically suitable fluids for use herein include, but are notlimited to, polar solvents, including, but not limited to, compoundsthat contain hydroxyl groups or other polar groups. Solvents include,but are not limited to, water or alcohols, such as ethanol, isopropanol,and glycols including propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol,polypropylene glycol, glycol ether, glycerol and polyoxyethylenealcohols. Polar solvents also include protic solvents, including, butnot limited to, water, aqueous saline solutions with one or morepharmaceutically acceptable salt(s), alcohols, glycols or a mixturethere of In one alternative embodiment, the water for use in the presentformulations should meet or exceed the applicable regulatoryrequirements for use in inhaled drugs.

Sterility or adequate antimicrobial preservation may be provided as partof the present formulations. Since certain formulations of the presentinvention are intended to be administered orally, it is preferred thatthey be free of pathogenic organisms. A benefit of a sterile liquidsuspension is that it reduces the possibility of introducingcontaminants into the individual when the suspension formulation isadministered intranasally, thereby reducing the chance of anopportunistic infection. Processes which may be considered for achievingsterility may include any appropriate sterilization steps known in theart. In one embodiment, the drug substance (e.g., fluticasone) isproduced under sterile conditions, the micronization is performed in asterile environment, and the mixing and packaging is conducted understerile conditions. In alternative embodiment, the formulations of thepresent invention may be sterile filtered and filled in vials, includingunit dose vials providing sterile unit dose formulations which are usedin a nasal spray device for example. Each unit dose vial may be sterileand is suitably administered without contaminating other vials or thenext dose. In one alternative embodiment, one or more ingredients in thepresent formulation may be sterilized by steam, gamma radiation orprepared using or mixing sterile steroidal powder and other sterileingredients where appropriate. Also, the formulations may be preparedand handled under sterile conditions, or may be sterilized before orafter packaging.

In addition to or in lieu of sterilization, the formulations of thepresent invention may contain a pharmaceutically acceptable preservativeto minimize the possibility of microbial contamination. Additionally, apharmaceutically-acceptable preservative may be used in the presentformulations to increase the stability of the formulations. It should benoted, however, that any preservative must be chosen for inhalationsafety, as the treated tissues may be sensitive to irritants.Preservatives suitable for use herein include, but are not limited to,those that protect the solution from contamination with pathogenicparticles, including phenylethyl alcohol, benzalkonium chloride orbenzoic acid, or benzoates such as sodium benzoate and phenylethylalcohol. Preferably, the preservative for use in the presentformulations is benzalkonium chloride. In certain embodiments, theformulations herein comprise from about 0.001% to about 10.0% w/w ofbenzalkonium chloride, or from about 0.01% v/w phenylethyl alcohol.Preserving agents may also be present in an amount from about 0.001% toabout 1%, preferably about 0.002% to about 0.02%, more preferably 0.02%w/w.

The formulations provided herein may also comprise from about 0.001% toabout 90%, or about 0.001% to about 50%, or about 0.001% to about 25%,or about 0.001% to about 10%, or about 0.001% to about 1% of one or moreemulsifying agent, wetting agent, or suspending agent. Such agents foruse herein include, but are not limited to, polyoxyethylene sorbitanfatty esters or polysorbates, including, but not limited to,polyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Polysorbate 80), polysorbate 20(polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate), polysorbate 65(polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan tristearate), polyoxyethylene (20)sorbitan mono-oleate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate,polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate; lecithins; alginic acid;sodium alginate; potassium alginate; ammonium alginate; calciumalginate; propane-1,2-diol alginate; agar; carrageenan; locust bean gum;guar gum; tragacanth; acacia; xanthan gum; karaya gum; pectin; amidatedpectin; ammonium phosphatides; microcrystalline cellulose;methylcellulose; hydroxypropylcellulose; hydroxypropylmethylcellulose;ethylmethylcellulose; carboxymethylcellulose; sodium, potassium andcalcium salts of fatty acids; mono-and di-glycerides of fatty acids;acetic acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids; lacticacid esters of mono-and di-glycerides of fatty acids; citric acid estersof mono-and di-glycerides of fatty acids; tartaric acid esters of mono-and di-glycerides of fatty acids; mono-and diacetyltartaric acid estersof mono-and di-glycerides of fatty acids; mixed acetic and tartaric acidesters of mono-and di-glycerides of fatty acids; sucrose esters of fattyacids; sucroglycerides; polyglycerol esters of fatty acids; polyglycerolesters of polycondensed fatty acids of castor oil; propane-1,2-diolesters of fatty acids; sodium stearoyl-2lactylate; calciumstearoyl-2-lactylate; stearoyl tartrate; sorbitan monostearate; sorbitantristearate; sorbitan monolaurate; sorbitan monooleate; sorbitanmonopalmitate; extract of quillaia; polyglycerol esters of dimerisedfatty acids of soya bean oil; oxidatively polymerised soya bean oil; andpectin extract.

The present formulations may further comprise from about 0.001% to about90%, or about 0.001% to about 50%, or about 0.001% to about 25%, orabout 0.001% to about 10%, or about 0.001% to about 1% of one or moreexcipients and additives which are pharmacologically suitable.Excipients and additives generally have no pharmacological activity, orat least no undesirable pharmacological activity. The concentration ofthese may vary with the selected agent, although the presence or absenceof these agents, or their concentration is not an essential feature ofthe invention. The excipients and additives may include, but are notlimited to, surfactants, moisturizers, stabilizers, complexing agents,antioxidants, or other additives known in the art. Complexing agentsinclude, but are not limited to, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)or a salt thereof, such as the disodium salt, citric acid,nitrilotriacetic acid and the salts thereof. In another embodiment,particularly in the suspension formulations provided herein, thecomplexing agent is sodium edetate. In one embodiment, the compositionscontain sodium edetate at a concentration of about 0.05 mg/ml to about0.5 mg/ml, or about 0.1 mg/ml to about 0.2 mg/ml. Also, for example, theformulations of the present invention may comprise from about 0.001% toabout 5% by weight of a humectant to inhibit drying of the mucousmembrane and to prevent irritation. Any of a variety ofpharmaceutically-acceptable humectants can be employed, includingsorbitol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerol or mixturesthereof, for example.

The formulations provided herein also may comprise about 0.001% to about90%, or about 0.001% to about 50%, or about 0.001% to about 25%, orabout 0.001% to about 10%, or about 0.001% to about 10% of one or moresolvents or co-solvents to increase the solubility of any of thecomponents of the present formulation. Solvents or co-solvents for useherein include, but are not limited to, hydroxylated solvents or otherpharmaceutically-acceptable polar solvents, such as alcohols includingisopropyl alcohol, glycols such as propylene glycol, polyethyleneglycol, polypropylene glycol, glycol ether, glycerol, andpolyoxyethylene alcohols. In another embodiment, the formulations of thepresent invention may comprise one or more conventional diluents knownin the art. The preferred diluent is purified water.

Tonicity agents (or osmotic adjusting agents) may be added to adjust theisotonicity of the present formulations. Such agents may include, butare not limited to sodium chloride, potassium chloride, zinc chloride,calcium chloride or mixtures thereof. Other osmotic adjusting agents mayalso include, but are not limited to, mannitol, glycerol, and dextroseor mixtures thereof In an alternative embodiment, the presentformulation may comprise about 0.01% to about 10% w/w, or 1% to about 6%w/w. In one alternative embodiment, the formulations of the presentinvention are isotonic.

In certain embodiments herein, the formulations of the present inventionhave a pH of about 2.0 to about 8.0. Preferably, the pH of the presentformulations is from about 3.0 to about 6.0, preferably the pH is formabout 3.0 to about 4.0. Optionally, the formulations of the presentinvention contain a pH buffer to maintain the formulation to a desiredpH. Buffers suitable for use herein include, but are not limited to,citric acid/phosphate, sodium hydroxide, sodium citrate, acetate,barbital, borate, Britton-Robinson, cacodylate, citrate, collidine,formate, maleate, Mclivaine, phosphate, Prideaux-Ward, succinate,citrate-phosphate-borate (Teorell-Stanhagen), veronal acetate, MES(2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid), BIS-TRIS(bis(2-hydroxyethyl)iminotris(hydroxymethyl)methane), ADA(N-(2-acetamido)-2-iminodiacetic acid), ACES(N-(carbamoylmethyl)-2-aminoethanesulfonaic acid), PIPES(piperazine-N,N-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid)), MOPSO(3-(N-morpholino)-2hydroxypropanesulfonic acid), BIS-TRIS PROPANE(1,3-bis(tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamino)propane), BES(N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethanesulfonaic acid), MOPS(3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid), TES(N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-2-aminoethanesulfonic.acid), HEPES(N-(2hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N′-(2-ethanesulfonicacid), DIPSO(3-(N,N-bis(2hydroxyethyl)amino)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid), MOBS(4-(N-morpholino)butanesulfonic acid), TAPSO(3-(N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamino)-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid),TRIZMAO (tris(hydroxymethylaminomethane), HEPPSO(N-(2-hydroxyethyppiperazine-N-(2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid), POPSO(piperazine-N,N′-bis(2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid)), TEA(triethanolamine), EPPS(N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-piperazine-N′-(3-propanesulfonic acid), TRICINE(N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methylglycine), GLY-GLY (glycylglycine), BICINE(N,N-bis(2hydroxyethyl)glycine), HEPBS(N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N′-(4butanesulfonic acid)), TAPS(N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-3-aminopropanesulfonic acid), AMPD(2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol), and/or any other buffers known tothose of skill in the art.

In one alternative embodiment, the formulations of the present inventionare stable. As used herein, the stability of formulations providedherein refers to the length of time at a given temperature that greaterthan 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the initial amount of drug substance, e.g.,fluticasone, is present in the formulation. For example, theformulations provided herein may be stored between about 15° C. andabout 30° C., and remain stable for at least 1, 2, 12, 18, 24 or 36months. Also, the formulations may be suitable for administration to asubject in need thereof after storage for more than 1, 2, 12, 18, 24 or36 months at 25°. Also, in another alternative embodiment, usingArrhenius Kinetics, more than 80%, or more than 85%, or more than 90%,or more than 95% of the initial amount of drug substance (e.g.,fluticasone) remains after storage of the formulations for more than 1,2, 12, 18, 24 or 36 months between about 15° C. and about 30° C.

As used herein, the statement that a composition is stable during “longterm storage” means that the composition is suitable for administrationto a subject in need thereof when it has an estimated shelf-life ofgreater than 1, 2 or 3 months usage time at 25° C. and greater than orequal to 1, 2 or 3 years storage time at 5° C. In certain embodimentsherein, using Arrhenius kinetics, >80% or >85% or >90% or >95% estimatedbronchodilating agent remains after such storage.

The formulations of the present invention may be administered in avariety of ways, preferably by inhalation. For example, the presentformulations may be administered to an individual in need thereof by wayof an inhaler, e.g., metered dose inhaler or a dry powder inhaler, aninsufflator, a nebulizer or any other conventionally known method ofadministering inhalable medicaments. Preferably, the formulation of thepresent invention is administered by nebulization. In one alternativeembodiment, the formulations of the present invention may beadministered by way of a pressurized aerosol comprising, separately, ahypertension-reducing agent, or salt or an ester thereof with at least asuitable propellant or with a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants.Any conventionally known propellant may be used. In certain embodiments,the compositions are administered via nebulization. Administration of anebulized aerosol is preferred over the use of dry powders forinhalation in certain subject populations, including pediatric andgeriatric groups.

Also provided herein are combinations containing a composition providedherein and a nebulizer. The combinations can be packaged as kits, whichoptionally contain other components, including instructions for use ofthe nebulizer. Any nebulizer is contemplated for use in the kits andmethods provided herein. In particular, the nebulizers for use hereinnebulize liquid formulations, including the compositions providedherein, containing no propellant. The nebulizer may produce thenebulized mist by any method known to those of skill in the art,including, but not limited to, compressed air, ultrasonic waves, orvibration. The nebulizer may further have an internal baffle. Theinternal baffle, together with the housing of the nebulizer, selectivelyremoves large droplets from the mist by impaction and allows thedroplets to return to the reservoir. The fine aerosol droplets thusproduced are entrained into the lung by the inhaling air/oxygen.

As used herein, a nebulized solution refers to a solution that isdispersed in air to form an aerosol. Thus, a nebulized solution is aparticular form of an aerosol. As used herein, a nebulizer is aninstrument that is capable of generating very fine liquid droplet forinhalation into the lung. Within this instrument, the nebulizing liquidor solution is atomized into a mist of droplets with a broad sizedistribution by methods known to those of skill in the art, including,but not limited to, compressed air, ultrasonic waves, or a vibratingorifice. Nebulizers may further contain, e.g., a baffle which, alongwith the housing of the instrument, selectively removes large dropletsfrom the mist by impaction. Thus, the mist inhaled into the lungcontains fine aerosol droplets.

In one alternative embodiment, the compositions provided herein areintended for administration to subject in need of such treatment vianebulization. Nebulizers that nebulize liquid formulations containing nopropellant are suitable for use with the compositions provided herein.Nebulizers are available from, e.g., Pari GmbH (Starnberg, Germany),DeVilbiss Healthcare (Heston, Middlesex, UK), Healthdyne, Vital Signs,Baxter, Allied Health Care, Invacare, Hudson, Omron, Bremed, AirSep,Luminscope, Medisana, Siemens, Aerogen, Mountain Medical, AerosolMedical Ltd. (Colchester, Essex, UK), AFP Medical (Rugby, Warwickshire,UK), Bard Ltd. (Sunderland, UK), Carri-Med Ltd. (Dorking, UK), PlaemNuiva (Brescia, Italy), Henleys Medical Supplies (London, UK),Intersurgical (Berkshire, UK), Lifecare Hospital Supplies (Leies, UK),Medic-Aid Ltd. (West Sussex, UK), Medix Ltd. (Essex, UK), SinclairMedical Ltd. (Surrey, UK), and many others.

Nebulizers for use herein include, but are not limited to, jetnebulizers (optionally sold with compressors), ultrasonic nebulizers,and others. Exemplary jet nebulizers for use herein include Pari LCplus/ProNeb, Pari LC plus/ProNeb Turbo, Pari LC plus/Dura Neb 1000 &2000, Pan LC plus/Walkhaler, Pan LC plus/Pari Master, Pari LC star,Omron CompAir XL Portable Nebulizer System (NE-C18 and JetAir Disposablenebulizer), Omron CompAir Elite Compressor Nebulizer System (NE-C21 andElite Air Reusable Nebilizer), Pan LC Plus or Pan LC Star nebulizer withProneb Ultra compressor, Pulmo-aide, Pulmo-aide LT, Pulmo-aide traveler,Invacare Passport, Inspiration Healthdyne 626, Pulmo-Neb Traverier,DeVilbiss 646, Whisper Jet, Acorn 11, Misty-Neb, Allied aerosol, SchucoHome Care, Lexan Plasic Pocet Neb, SideStream Hand Held Neb, Mobil Mist,Up-Draft, Up-Draft 11, T Up-Draft, ISO-NEB, AVA-NEB, Micro Mist, andPulmoMate. Exemplary ultrasonic nebulizers for use herein includeMicroAir, UltraAir, Siemens Ultra Nebulizer 145, CompAir, Pulmosonic,Scout, 5003 Ultrasonic Neb, 51 1 0 Ultrasonic Neb, 5004 Desk UltrasonicNebulizer, Mystique Ultrasonic, Luminscope's Ultrasonic Nebulizer,Medisana Ultrasonic Nebulizer, Microstat Ultrasonic Nebulizer, andMABISMist Hand Held Ultrasonic Nebulizer. Other nebulizers for useherein include 5000 Electromagnetic Neb, 5001 Electromagnetic Neb 5002Rotary Piston Neb, Lumineb 1 Piston Nebulizer 5500, Aeroneb′ PortableNebulizer System, Aerodose″ Inhaler, and AeroEclipse Breath ActuatedNebulizer.

Pharmaceutical compositions containing a pulmonary hypertension reducingagent for administration via nebulization are provided. The compositionsmay be sterile filtered and filled in vials, including unit dose vialsproviding sterile unit dose formulations which are used in a nebulizerand suitably nebulized. Each unit dose vial may be sterile and suitablynebulized without contaminating other vials or the next dose.

The unit dose vials may be formed in a form-fill-seal machine or by anyother suitable method known to those of skill in the art. The vials maybe made of plastic materials that are suitably used in these processes.For example, plastic materials for preparing the unit dose vialsinclude, but are not limited to, low density polyethylene, high densitypolyethylene, polypropylene and polyesters. In one embodiment, theplastic material is low density polyethylene.

In another alternative embodiment, the system of the present inventioncomprises one or more dispensing containers prefilled with about 0.1 toabout 5.0 ml, or about 0.5 ml to about 5.0 ml, or about 1.0 ml to about5.0 ml; or about 0.1 ml to about 3.0 ml, or about 0.1 ml to about 2.0ml, or about 0.5 ml to about 2.0 ml, or about 1 ml, or about 1.5 ml, orabout 2.0 ml, or about 2.5 ml, or about 3.0 ml, or about 3.5 ml, orabout 4.0 ml, or about 4.5 ml, or about 5.0 ml, or about 0.1 ml to about2.25 ml, or about 1.0 ml to about 2.0 ml, or about 2.0 ml to about 2.4ml of a premixed, premeasured, aqueous inhalation solution comprising asingle unit dose of a therapeutically effective amount of one or morepulmonary hypertension reducing agents.

Drugs administered by nebulization could play a major role in thetreatment of pulmonary hypertension. However, a possible drawback ofnebulization therapy is the number of times it must be performed eachday, and the amount of time each treatment takes. For example, anindividual may be required to receive 4 doses of inhalation solution perday by nebulization. In some instances, each nebulizer treatment takesabout 15 minutes, or more to deliver a 2.5 ml fill volume of abronchodilator, though the amount of time may vary depending on themodel of the nebulizer used. The time requirements for nebulizationtherapy can be burdensome, and cause individuals to skip requireddosages during the day. The impact of not following the prescribeddosage regimen could compromise the individual's condition.

In one alternative embodiment, the volume of the one or more pulmonaryhypertension reducing agents inhalation solutions of the presentinvention is about 0.1 ml to about 2.25 ml, or about 0.1 ml to about 2ml, or about 1 ml to about 2 ml, or about 1.5 ml to about 2 ml,preferably about 1 ml, about 1.5 ml, about 2.0 ml, or about 2.25 mlwhile no clinical trials or other experiments were carried out on thesefill volumes, it is believed that such volumes are more beneficial overconventional nebulizer fill volumes solutions (e.g. 2.5 ml or 3.0 mlfill volume) because they will enable the individual to receive moremedication (e.g., one or more pulmonary hypertension reducing agents) inless time during each nebulization treatment. Also, it is believed thatthe fill volumes of the present invention will minimize common handlingcomplications with nebulizer therapy, and it may extend the life of thenebulizer.

In one alternative embodiment, the above fill volumes of the presentinvention may reduce the time of each nebulization treatment by at least20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or 80% or more over conventional nebulizertreatments (e.g. 2.5 ml or 3 ml fill volume). In another alternativeembodiment, the fill volumes of the present invention may reduce eachnebulization treatment to about 12, 10, 9, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3 minutes, orless over conventional nebulizer treatments (e.g. 2.5 ml or 3.0 ml fillvolume). Reducing the amount of time to complete the treatment meansindividuals will be more likely to comply with the prescribed dosingregimen and achieve optimal benefit from the medication prescribed.

Another possible drawback of conventional nebulizer treatments is theloss of medication during administration. Conventional nebulizersolutions comprise about 2.5 ml fill volume of inhalation solution, ormore. For example, when nebulizing an inhalation solution comprising 2.5ml or more, about 0.7 ml of the solution remains in the nebulizer systemafter treatment, though the amount may vary depending on the model ofthe nebulizer used. In these instances, the individual is not receivingthe prescribed dosage or optimum dosage of inhalation medication. Forexample, in one day, due to the residual medication remaining in thenebulizer system after each treatment, an individual fails to receiveapproximately 2.1 ml, or more of the prescribed daily amount ofmedication.

It is believed that the fill volumes of the one or more pulmonaryhypertension reducing agents inhalation solutions of the presentinvention will result in lesser amounts of solution remaining in thenebulizer system after treatment, when compared to conventionalinhalation solutions (e.g. 2.5 ml or 3 ml fill volume). Less solutionremaining in the nebulizer system means more medication (e.g., one ormore pulmonary hypertension reducing agents) administered to theindividual during each treatment. In one alternative embodiment, theamount of solution remaining in the nebulizer system after eachtreatment may be less than 0.50 ml, or less than 0.30 ml, or less than0.20 ml or less than 0.10 ml or less than 0.05 ml of the one or morepulmonary hypertension reducing agents inhalation solutions of thepresent invention, e.g. an inhalation solution comprising 2.5 mgalbuterol and 0.5 mg ipratropium bromide.

Important factors to effective nebulizer treatment is deep inspirationto ensure deep penetration of the medication into the lungs, and steadybreath-holding to ensure good retention of the medication in the lungs.It is believed that administering about 0.1 ml to about 2.0 ml fillvolume of an inhalation solution into a nebulizer, for example, willoptimize the therapeutic effect of the individual's deep inspirationefforts during treatment, and will optimize the therapeutic effect ofthe individual's breath-holding efforts as well. This is due to theshorter treatment time and increased concentration of the one or morepulmonary hypertension reducing agents in the solution.

Accordingly, in one alternative embodiment, the present invention is amethod of facilitating patient care, reducing medication error, reducingnebulizer treatment time, improving the efficiency and efficacy ofnebulizing therapy or enhancing therapeutic compliance of an individualsuffering from pulmonary hypertension. In one alternative embodiment,such method may comprise the step of placing about 0.1 ml to about 2.0ml of the inhalation solutions of the present invention into a chamberof a nebulizer. The nebulizer having a mouthpiece or facemask associatedwith the chamber of the nebulizer. The mouthpiece or facemask ispositioned in close proximity to the individual's mouth or face. Theinhalation solution may be passed in a mist form from the nebulizerchamber through the mouthpiece or facemask to the individual while theindividual breathes into the mouthpiece or facemask. The individualcontinues breathing into the mouthpiece or facemask until thenebulization treatment is finished. This may take about 12, 11, 10, 9,8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or 3 minutes. In an alternative embodiment, thenebulization treatment is finished when at least substantially all themist is removed from the nebulizer chamber. This may take about 12, 11,10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, or 3 minutes. In one alternative embodiment of thepresent invention, the dose of the inhalation solution in each of theone or more containers may be administered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8times per day by nebulization.

In another alternative embodiment, the system/kit of the presentinvention may further comprise a label which indicates that theinhalation solution can be used to relieve bronchospasm associated withchronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In one alternative embodiment,the label may comprise indicia comprising efficacy, dosage,administration, contraindication and adverse reaction data pertaining tothe inhalation solution in each of the one or more containers. Thecontraindication data may comprise data indicating that the inhalationsolution in each of the one or more containers is contraindicated forhumans with hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients contained in theinhalation solution.

The dosage and administration data may also comprise data indicatingthat the recommended dose of the inhalation solution in each of the oneor more containers may be administered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 timesper day by nebulization.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention also comprises adevice for use in the relief of symptoms associated with pulmonaryhypertension, including bronchospasm. Such device may take the form of alabel, written instructions or any other form incorporating indiciathereon. The device may comprise indicia which indicates that a patientsuffering from symptoms associated with pulmonary hypertension can betreated with at least one prepackaged, sterile, premixed, premeasuredand/or BAC-free inhalation solution comprising a unit dose of atherapeutically effective amount of one or more pulmonary hypertensionreducing agents in a single vial. The inhalation solution being suitablefor nebulization in a nebulizer. The device may also comprise indiciawhich provides instructions for utilizing the inhalation solution totreat said symptoms in patients.

The inhalation formulations of the present invention may be used totreat “pulmonary hypertension” (as that term is defined herein)including but not limited to primary pulmonary hypertension, secondaryhypertension, and classes I-IV as shown in Table 1, among others. Forexample, the formulations of the present invention may be used to treator ameliorate one or more of the following symptoms of pulmonaryhypertension associated with disorders of the respiratory system and/orhypoxemia: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lungdisease, sleep-disordered breathing; alveolar hypoventilation disorders;chronic exposure to high altitudes; neonatal lung disease; andalveolar-capillary dysplasia. The information in Table I is presentedfor illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

TABLE 1 Class Description I Patients with pulmonary hypertension butwithout resulting limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physicalactivity does not cause undue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain or nearsyncope. II Patients with pulmonary hypertension resulting in slightlimitation of physical activity. These patients are comfortable at rest,but ordinary physical activity causes undue dyspnea or fatigue, chestpain or near syncope. III Patients with pulmonary hypertension resultingin marked limitation of physical activity. These patients arecomfortable at rest, but less than ordinary physical activity causesundue dyspnea or fatigue, chest pain or near syncope. IV Patients withpulmonary hypertension resulting in inability to perform any physicalactivity without symptoms. These patients manifest signs of right heartfailure. Dyspnea and/or fatigue may be present at rest, and discomfortis increased by any physical activity.

The formulations of the present invention may comprise one or morepulmonary hypertension reducing agents. In one embodiment, theformulation of the present invention comprises one of an ACEI, ARB,beta-blocker, calcium-channel blocker or vasodilator, or any combinationthereof. Such combination may explicitly exclude any one of thepulmonary reducing agents herein. In an alternative embodiment, theformulation of the present invention comprises an ACEI in combinationwith an ARB, beta-blocker, calcium-channel blocker or vasodilator. Inanother embodiment, the formulation of the present invention comprisesan ARB in combination with a beta-blocker, calcium-channel blocker orvasodilator. In yet another embodiment, the formulation of the presentinvention comprises a beta-blocker in combination with a calcium-channelblocker or vasodilator. In still another embodiment, the formulation ofthe present invention comprises a calcium-channel blocker and avasodilator. In an alternative embodiment herein, the present inventioncomprises any combination of at least three ACEIs, ARBs, beta-blockers,calcium-channel blockers or vasodilators.

Additionally, the formulations of the present invention may beadministered together with one or more other drugs or therapies. Forexample, the present formulations may be administered with ananticoagulant such as warfarin (Coumadin), which is recommended toprevent thrombosis and has been shown to prolong life in patients withprimary pulmonary hypertension. Patients with pulmonary hypertension areprone to thromboembolism because of sluggish pulmonary blood flow,dilated right heart chambers, venous insufficiency and relative physicalinactivity.

Additionally, the formulations of the present invention may beadministered in conjunction or in combination with inotropic agents suchas digoxin (Lanoxin), which has been shown to produce favorable acutehemodynamic effects in patients with right ventricular failure andprimary pulmonary hypertension. Short-term parenterally administeredinotropic drugs may also be administered with the formulations of thepresent invention. Moreover, because hypoxia is a potent pulmonaryvasoconstrictor, the formulations of the present invention may beadministered in combination with low-flow supplemental oxygen therapy,which is known to prolong survival in hypoxemic patients.

Additionally, the formulations of the present invention may beadministered in combination with a low-salt diet and/or diuretics, whichare useful in reducing volume overload in patients with pulmonaryhypertension and right ventricular failure. However, excessive diuresisand further reduction of cardiac output should be avoided.

The present invention is also directed to a method of treating pulmonaryhypertension in a mammal including animals and humans. In oneembodiment, a therapeutically effective amount of ahypertension-reducing pharmaceutical agent is administered to a mammalin need thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the formulation of thepresent invention is premeasured, premixed and prepackaged. In oneembodiment, the formulation of the method of the present inventioncomprises from about 0.01 mg/ml to about 20 mg/ml of at least one of anACEI, ARB, beta-blocker, calcium-channel blocker or vasodilator, or anycombination thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the formulation issterile and/or stable. In another embodiment, the formulation ispreservative-free.

In another alternative embodiment, the method of the present inventioncomprises the step of administering to a mammal in need thereof aninhalation solution comprising a therapeutically effective amount of ahypertension-reducing pharmaceutical agent, wherein the inhalationsolution is administered via nebulizer, such nebulizer including, butnot limited to, a jet nebulizer, ultrasonic nebulizer andbreath-actuated nebulizer. Preferably, the nebulizer is a jet nebulizerconnected to an air compressor with adequate air flow. The nebulizerbeing equipped with a mouthpiece or suitable face mask.

The present invention is also directed to a system and/or kit fortreating pulmonary hypertension in a mammal. In an embodiment, the kitof the present invention comprises a formulation comprising atherapeutically effective amount of a pulmonary hypertension reducingagent. In an alternative embodiment, the formulation is in premeasured,premixed and/or prepackaged. Preferably, the inhalation solution issterile.

The system and/or kit of the present invention may also includeinstructions designed to facilitate user compliance. Instructions, asused herein, refers to any label, insert, etc., and may be positioned onone or more surfaces of the packaging material, or the instructions maybe provided on a separate sheet, or any combination thereof. Forexample, in an embodiment, a system and/or kit of the present inventioncomprises instructions for administering the formulations of the presentinvention. In one embodiment, the instructions indicate that theformulation of the present invention is suitable for the treatment ofpulmonary hypertension. Such instructions may also include instructionson dosage, as well as instructions for administration via nebulizer.

Non-adherence to pulmonary hypertension medication therapy andmedication error could be considerable problems. These problems can besignificantly reduced by providing pulmonary hypertension patients aprepackaged, premixed, premeasured amount an inhalable formulationcomprising one or more pulmonary hypertension reducing agents. Providingthese compounds in this fashion makes pulmonary hypertension therapysimple because it increases convenience and eliminates confusion inpreparing appropriate dosages.

In one alternative embodiment, the present invention may overcome theaforementioned problems by providing therapeutically effective amountsone or more hypertension reducing agents in prepackaged, premixed,premeasured and/or unit dose amounts. In one alternative embodiment, thepresent invention comprises one or more prefilled containers. The one ormore containers each comprising a single unit dose of an aqueoussolution comprising a therapeutically effective amount of one or morepulmonary hypertension reducing agents. Providing the inhalationsolution in such a manner eliminates the need to dilute or mix suchmedications to obtain proper dosages for treatment. Also, no specialpharmacy compounding is required, thereby reducing the chance ofmedication errors. Further, there is a lower risk ofcross-contamination, and less waste of medication when providing aninhalation solution in a premixed, ready to use form.

Other features of the present invention include improved user complianceand quality of life as compared to conventional treatments for pulmonaryhypertension. While the level of compliance of any pulmonaryhypertension treatment depends in part on the motivation of the user andthe skill of the individual dispensing the treatment, compliancenevertheless may be improved by controlling factors such as the easewith which the treatment may be administered, as well as thedesirability of receiving the treatment.

The present invention provides a convenient, fast and reliable treatmentfor pulmonary hypertension and clearly represents an improvement overtraditional pulmonary hypertension treatments. Also, the presentinvention is designed to facilitate user compliance by providing one ormore dispensing containers comprising a premixed, premeasured inhalationsolution comprising a single unit dose of a therapeutically effectiveamount of one or more pulmonary hypertension reducing agents for thetreatment of pulmonary hypertension. Such containers may be utilized ina method of treating pulmonary hypertension or the containers may beincorporated in a system and/or kit for treating the same.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a system and/orkit for organizing and storing one or more prefilled dispensingcontainers, each container comprising a premixed, premeasured inhalationsolution. The inhalation solution comprising a single unit dose of atherapeutically effective amount one or more pulmonary hypertensionreducing agents. Such system and/or kit may provide such containers inprepackaged form. The one or more containers may be comprised of plasticincluding, but not limited to, a semi-permeable plastic such as LDPE.The container may also comprise a Twist-Flex™ top, such top comprisingan easy-to-grip tab-like handle such that the container may be opened,for example, by twisting off the tab by hand. The Twist-Flex™ top isadvantageous in that it allows for easy dispensing of the solution,prevents spillage and eliminates the need to open the container bycutting or tearing off the top, or the like, thereby reducingcross-contamination. In one alternative embodiment, the design of thecontainer substantially conforms to those designs illustrated in U.S.Pat. Des. Nos. 317,715; 296,869; 289,609; or 275,732, which areincorporated herein by reference. One or more of the semi-permeablesingle unit dose containers may be prepackaged in an aluminum foilpouch, such that the foil provides a protective barrier againstenvironmental contaminants and light. Such a barrier improves theshelf-life and stability of the inhalation solution.

In another alternative embodiment, the present invention comprises aprepackaged inhalation system and/or kit suitable for patients sufferingfrom pulmonary hypertension. Such prepackaged system and/or kitcomprising: (a) one or more single unit dosages of a therapeuticallyeffective amount of one or more pulmonary hypertension reducing agents;(b) administration instructions for the use of said unit dose as atreatment for pulmonary hypertension; and (c) a dispensing containerprefilled with the one or more unit doses of one or more pulmonaryhypertension reducing agents.

The formulations of the present invention may be manufactured in anyconventional manner by thoroughly mixing the ingredients describedherein at ambient or elevated temperatures in order to achievesolubility of ingredients where appropriate.

Articles of manufacture, containing packaging material, a formulationprovided herein, may be useful for treatment, prevention or ameliorationof one or more symptoms of diseases or disorders associated withpulmonary hypertension. such articles of manufacture may also comprise alabel that indicates that the composition is used for treatment,prevention or amelioration of one or more symptoms of diseases ordisorders associated with pulmonary hypertension.

In one alternative embodiments, the articles of manufacture providedherein contain packaging materials. Packaging materials for use inpackaging pharmaceutical products are well known to those of skill inthe art. Examples of pharmaceutical packaging materials include, but arenot limited to, blister packs, bottles, tubes, inhalers, pumps, bags,vials, containers, syringes, bottles, and any packaging materialsuitable for a selected formulation and intended mode of administrationand treatment.

VI. EXAMPLES

Examples 1-4 herein are prophetic examples provided to illustrate, butnot to limit, the formulations and methods of the present invention.They are presented with the understanding that changes can be and mayneed to be made to a specific composition in order to obtain or optimizethe formulation. Such modifications to the following prophetic examples,if needed, are normal and understandable to those of ordinary skill inthe art, and shall not be used to limit the invention.

It is believed that prophetic examples 1-4 would be suitable foradministration via nebulization to an individual suffering frompulmonary hypertension. The formulations may be sterile. The objectiveof these formulations is to provide localized delivery of a pulmonaryhypertension reducing agent to a mammal (e.g. humans) in need thereof.

Example 1

Enalaprilat (s-1-[N-(1-carboxy-3 - 02-10.0phenylpropyl)-L-alanyli-L-praline dehydrate mg/ml Sodium Chloride2.0-10.0 mg/ml Sodium Hydroxide q.s. Water q.s.

Example 1 is a prophetic example of a formulation comprising the ACEIenalapril. Sodium chloride may be added to the solution to adjusttonicity, and sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust the pH of thesolution. The solution of Example I may be made by methods known tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

Example 2

Atenolol (Benzeneacetamide, 4-[2-hydroxy-3- 1.0-10.0 (1-methylethyl)amino propoxy] mg/ml Sodium Chloride 2.0-10.0 mg/ml Sodium Citrate q.s.Citric Acid q.s. Water q.s.

Example 2 is a prophetic example of a formulation comprising thebeta-blocker atenolol. Sodium chloride may be added to the solution toadjust tonicity, and sodium hydroxide and citric acid are added toadjust the pH of the solution. The solution of Example 2 may be made bymethods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Example 3

Epoprostenol 0.1-3.0 mg/ml Span 85 0.2-2.0 mg/ml Water q.s.

Example 3 is a prophetic example of a formulation comprising thevasodilator epoprostenol in suspension form. Span 85 may be added as anemulsifier. The suspension of Example 3 may be made by methods known tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

Example 4

Treprostinil sodium 0.1-10.0 mg/ml Sodium Chloride 2.0-10.0 mg/ml SodiumHydroxide q.s. Citric Acid q.s. Water q.s.

Example 4 is a prophetic example of a formulation comprising thevasodilator epoprostenol. Sodium chloride may be added to the solutionto adjust tonicity, and sodium hydroxide and citric acid are added toadjust the pH of the solution. The solution of Example 4 may be made bymethods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The Figures and attachments herein are presented for illustrativepurposes only.

They are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Further, itshould be understood that various changes and modifications to theembodiment described herein will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishingits attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes andmodifications be covered by the appended claims. Also, the invention maysuitably comprise, consist of or consist essentially of the elements orsteps described herein. Further, the invention described herein suitablymay comprise or be practiced in the absence of any element or step whichis not specifically disclosed herein. Further, one or more stepdescribed herein may be performed simultaneously with another step.

1. An inhalable formulation for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension,said formulation comprising about 0.001 mg/ml to about 20 mg/ml of ahypertension reducing agent, wherein said pulmonary hypertensionreducing agent comprises at least one ACE inhibitor and wherein saidformulation is suitable for administration via inhalation to a mammal inneed thereof.
 2. The formulation of claim 1, wherein said formulation issuitable for administration via nebulization.
 3. The formulation ofclaim 2 comprising about 0.1 mg/ml to about 15 mg/ml of said pulmonaryhypertension reducing agent.
 4. The formulation of claim 2 comprisingabout 1 mg/ml to about 10 mg/ml of said pulmonary hypertension reducingagent.
 5. The formulation of claim 2, wherein said formulation is asterile solution.
 6. The formulation of claim 5, wherein said solutionis isotonic and has a pH of about 3 to about
 8. 7. The formulation ofclaim 2, wherein said formulation is an aqueous sterile suspension. 8.The formulation of claim 2, wherein said formulation comprises apreservative.
 9. The formulation of claim 2, wherein said formulation ispreservative-free.
 10. The formulation of claim 2, wherein said ACEinhibitor is at least one of the group consisting of benazepril,captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril,quinapril, ramipril and trandolapril.
 11. A method of treating pulmonaryhypertension in a mammal, said method comprising the step ofadministering to said mammal a formulation comprising about 0.001 mg/mlto about 20 mg/ml of a hypertension reducing agent, wherein saidhypertension reducing agent comprise at least one ACE inhibitor, andwherein said formulation is suitable for administration via inhalation.12. The method of claim 11, wherein said formulation is administered vianebulization to said mammal.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein saidformulation is administered via jet nebulizer, ultrasonic nebulizer orbreath-actuated nebulizer to said mammal.
 14. The method of claim 12,wherein said formulation is premeasured, premixed and prepackaged. 15.The method of claim 12, wherein said formulation is sterile and stable.16. The method of claim 12, said method further comprising the step ofadministering to said mammal an anticoagulant.
 17. The method of claim12, said method further comprising the step of administering to saidmammal an inotropic agent.
 18. The method of claim 12, said methodfurther comprising the step of administering to said mammal low-flowsupplemental oxygen therapy.
 19. The method of claim 12, said methodfurther comprising the step of administering to said mammal a diuretic.20. The method of claim 12, said method further comprising the step ofadministering to said mammal a low salt diet.